Mommy & Me Girly Fun Bday 10/31 Last Day & AT home

[Marshay]

Just found my photos of Carl Fredrickson that we drew at the Animation Academy. I swear they make it so easy to draw!

Rachel gets frustrated b/c she doesn't take her time and just draws ahead...but I still like her drawing

 

[Marshay]

I love the wallpaper trim. So cute. I think the whole room is adorable, and I am sure it is more expensive but I understand why.

Yep, they really do make the room a whole new experience. I'm not sure I would want to spend the extra money for a whole week there b/c the budget part of me says it's probably not worth it ... but for this one special time for two nights, it was perfect!


Too bad about the pool. I loved the sign and the story on it. That playground was cute. Congratulations on 2nd place!

Thanks! I love how Disney always has a back story!!

I believe that is the same Pixar paraded that they had/have in DCA. I think it is so cute!

the DHS parade is cute but really short.

Rachel looks so cute! I love how how coordinated her hat is with her outfit. She reminds me of a tea party lady. You know what I mean?

Too funny! Actually, we didn't coordinate the hat but you are right -- she has the whole outfit going on !! She would definitely consider that a compliment b/c she loves that whole tea party thing.

What is it with the balnd kids meals? I don't get it, kids like food that tastes good too.

I hear you! Her meal was fish and rice and it was like they didnt season it at all.

Pinochio and Rachel are so cute! I love that kind of interaction.

I love One Man's Dreams. For years his office was in the Lincoln Theater on Main Street. You could look at it while you waited. They have changed it quite a bit in some ways. Now there is bunch of memorabilia about the parks in there. Plus the Capital Building and the White House models.

I agree -- every time I see OMD, I am reminded how blessed we are for Walt Disney's failure with Oswald. Just reminds me how God can take what we think is a tragedy and use it for something greater!

 

[Trentmom]

POR rooms are great

I loved your pics.

I did not notice Sleeping Beauty's dress color changing when we were there. Very neat

Bummer about the pool, but glad Rachel still had fun

Glad she got to see the 2nd showing of Fantasmic

can't believe your vacation almost over

Can't wait to hear the rest

 

[Marshay]

POR rooms are great

I loved your pics.

I did not notice Sleeping Beauty's dress color changing when we were there. Very neat

Bummer about the pool, but glad Rachel still had fun

Glad she got to see the 2nd showing of Fantasmic

can't believe your vacation almost over

Can't wait to hear the rest

All the credit goes to Rachel! I didn't realize it changed color either ... until Rachel pointed it out to me. Then I knew I had to get a photo of that, esp for Elizabeth since Sleeping Beauty is her favorite princess!

I figure my pics brought back memories from your trip too!

Yes, I was so glad that Rachel finally got to see F!, too. As I FB'd you all at the time, it was touch and go. But I'm glad we waited it out.

Sad to say, this TR is nearly over, too ... but that means then I can start a new one for our January 2013 trip (AOA + DCL + BLT = woo hoo!!!!)

 

[pld5]

Rachel brightened up again.

Well, now we had to decide whether to wait for the next show or skip it. Rachel just wanted to go back to the room b/c she was tired and said we could see it tomorrow night.

However, I had booked a surprise for her tomorrow night and knew it was going to be tonight or never.

Another great picture! It looks like you had a great day at DHS. Glad you got to check out the elusive playground.

I'm sorry to say that I laughed out loud at your description of why nobody was in the pool. I can see why you don't care for Winnie!

I just found out for our trip in February that we are going to miss the dance party during EMH's at DHS (or as I call it when explaining it to Paul, you know that place where we met Marshay ). They switched nights with Epcot during our trip. This will just mean I get to see MSEP earlier in the week, I think.

Can't wait for your next update, and your January PTR. Color me intrigued about your surprise for Rachel on your last full night there!

 

[Marshay]

Another great picture! It looks like you had a great day at DHS. Glad you got to check out the elusive playground.

thanks! Rachel and I had quite a few pictures together that I really liked this trip!! Finally, we got to that playground. I have a feeling we'll be going back.

I'm sorry to say that I laughed out loud at your description of why nobody was in the pool. I can see why you don't care for Winnie!

Glad I made you laugh!! You know me, gotta get a little WTP dig in every now and then...

I just found out for our trip in February that we are going to miss the dance party during EMH's at DHS (or as I call it when explaining it to Paul, you know that place where we met Marshay ). They switched nights with Epcot during our trip. This will just mean I get to see MSEP earlier in the week, I think.
Now you made me LOL with your description of the EMH dance party!! I'm sorry you will miss it. Now I have to go back to see if they posted it for January yet.

Can't wait for your next update, and your January PTR. Color me intrigued about your surprise for Rachel on your last full night there!

I'll be updating tonight!

 

[Marshay]

Today is Saturday, July 28th and since we were out late last night for the 2nd showing of F!, we decided to sleep in today. The covers at POR are nice and thick and we had the air on cool and I admit, I didn't want to get up either.

We decided to take the boat from POR to DTD and go do some shopping. However, we were 1/2 early so we drove over instead.

Originally, we were supposed to go to DisneyQuest, but we decided to shop at World of Disney. Rachel used her gift cards to buy a Marie stuffed animal and Rapunzel pin with her leftover gift card. I bought her some Christmas gifts and Elizabeth, too.

Then we went to meet our friends Uncle Mike and Aunt Debby at AK's Flame Tree BBQ. I love eating here. After lunch, we rode Expedition Everest. Mike normally doesn't ride this but when Rachel asks him to, he does!

A view from the ride

Oh no -- there's no track!!

Ride Photo

Rachel as the Yeti

Then we rode Primeval Whirl and went on Dinosaur

Finally, we got some ice cream and then Mike and Debby went to MK while Rachel and I played in the Boneyard.

After this we went back to our room to pack, get in a quick swim, some more pool games and then we rested for a bit.

Even the soda machines at a moderate are "fancier" than at a value

If we had stayed at POR longer, I would have liked to try some of the boats here

 

[Marshay]

Then off we went to MK to see if we could meet Mike and Debby before they had to drive back to Tampa. I think we were able to just say good bye.

I asked Rachel what she wanted to do so off we went to get a FP for BTMRR and explored Tom Sawyer Island in the meantime.

Then we got cards for SOTMK and went back to ride Big Thunder Mtn. Rachel was proud that she wasn't scared at all of this ride.

This is a new water fountain area outside of BTMRR. As we approached, there was a pretty rainbow. I tried to take the photo but all you can see of it is at the top middle.

Then we finally got to go on the Liberty Belle Riverboat. It's been either closed for repairs or we got to it too late for the last few trips. Here are some pics along the way.

I miss the fire coming out of the cabin...

Rachel acting goofy

Rachel had about $8 left if I remember and she then bought this Crocodile pin that opens up to show Captain Hook inside. Very cute.

We took the train to Tomorrowland and rode Barnstormer/Goofini and Dumbo one more time at night.

Finally, it's time to reveal my surprise to Rachel.

 

[Marshay]

A few trips ago, I learned that it was a really neat idea to plan something "new or different" at the end of our trip. For me, it makes the leaving Disney a little, teeny tiny bit better.

So I had made reservations for the Tomorrowland Terrace Wishes Dessert Party. And actually kept this a total surprise from Rachel.

It was esp hard last night when she was grumbling about possibly missing Fantasmic! and who in the world wants to see Wishes Fireworks when she wants to come back and do F!, grumble, grumble...

but we walked over to the terrace and they wished us happy birthday and told Rachel that they needed her help with the lights and we had the best table in the whole place -- front and center on the castle!!

Now I know this dessert party is not cheap (~$25 or so) but it was REALLY, REALLY wonderful.

Here are some of the desserts

and here are others

Sometimes I don't like the desserts on the buffets and I was worried about not liking these. But they were fantastic!!

They also had ice cream and some toppings, fruit and a variety of beverages, both hot and cold.

I had heard that you can't see the parade that well, but I thought it was just fine (if you already had seen the parade close up).

Then the called the kids up to help turn OFF the lights of the castle so that the fireworks could begin

View of the castle from our seats

After gorging ourselves silly with sugary sweets, we decided to sit and wait out the crowds. Rachel fell asleep. I let her sleep for about 25 minutes and then we wandered our way to the front.

Stopped into the Emporium and I just happened to find Rachel's size underwear with a Minnie Mouse design. Now you may not know, but Rachel is only 7 years old but wears size 12 or 14 clothes. She has always been "double her age to get her clothing size" (we are a tall family). So when she left size 8 underwear last year, we could no longer find any Disney ones. However, the Emporium had size 10 Minnie Mouse and she was so happy to find these that I just couldn't say no. It's still her favorite today!

We still had a long wait for the ferry and once on the ferry, Rachel fell asleep again. We got on the first tram to the parking lot and quickly drove home/POR and crashed in bed.

 

[Marshay]

Today is Sunday, July 29th and our last day at Disney.

We slept in again in our comfy bed. Rachel did not want to get up and frankly, neither did I. Rachel decided that if I couldn't find her, then she wouldn't have to leave Disney.

You can also see the little Yedi key chain she bought to remind her of her favorite ride.

We packed up and then I realized that we totally forgot to get our Family Tradition Photo. Doh!!

So off we go to Epcot to get a photo in front of the fountain. We started this tradition when Rachel was 3 months old and HAVE to do it every trip now.

Then Rachel wanted to try Mission Space Orange, the more intense version , for her first time. Here she is so excited!!

She didn't think it was that much different than the green version!

Then we went to Club Cool, Rode Figment, tried to do Nemo but the line was long, so we quickly walked through Innoventions and one last photo of SE.

A walk back to our car. Filled it up with gas and off to the train. Everyone was there early, so we departed at 3:36pm.

Amtrak had a new lounge car for the return and I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it b/c it had these awesome skylights and large windows. The regular car was being repaired but man, I wish they had these cars instead. The bar is on the 1st floor of these cars so there is also more seats on the top.

As you can see, the window goes all the way below to where your bottom is. VERY large windows.

We were the first people in the snack car -- here are the treats.

We played Yahtzee, went back to our room to wait for dinner (I had the steak again -- yum!!) and then watched the movie -- Happy Feet 2 with hot chocolate and cookies.

A quick picture of the two of us with Rachel's new animals

At bedtime, I read some more of Kingdom Keepers to Rachel and then we both fell asleep.

 

[Marshay]

I can't remember if I posted these pics or not (it's been awhile now) but I'll just post again.

We were in the Roomette (seats 2) and here is me on the top bunk. There is not much room. Rachel actually slept here but I just wanted to get a picture, esp for my parents, to see if they could sleep here.

My mom would not be able to get up here and work herself into the bed.

This is the view from the top bunk bed looking down to the "steps"

 

[pld5]

Yay! You did the Dessert Party! We enjoyed this in January, but not sure if we're doing it again. The part of me that fears crowds and likes assigned seats says yes, but my wallet disagrees.

Did Rachel enjoy it? Would you do it again with the whole family?

 

[Marshay]

Yay! You did the Dessert Party! We enjoyed this in January, but not sure if we're doing it again. The part of me that fears crowds and likes assigned seats says yes, but my wallet disagrees.

Did Rachel enjoy it? Would you do it again with the whole family?

Based on your review and others, I thought I would give it a try. I loved it! So neat to see the fireworks without the crowds and of course the desserts were wonderful.

yes, when I told Rachel what we were doing, once we got there, Rachel was very happy to be doing the party (coupled with the fact that we WERE able to do F! the night before).

So, yes, Rachel enjoyed it. And like I said, we had the best seats -- front row center.

So would I do it again with the whole family?

Guess I'll have to save that answer for our January 2013 Trip Report!!

 

[pld5]

Based on your review and others, I thought I would give it a try. I loved it! So neat to see the fireworks without the crowds and of course the desserts were wonderful.

yes, when I told Rachel what we were doing, once we got there, Rachel was very happy to be doing the party (coupled with the fact that we WERE able to do F! the night before).

So, yes, Rachel enjoyed it. And like I said, we had the best seats -- front row center.

So would I do it again with the whole family?

Guess I'll have to save that answer for our January 2013 Trip Report!!

Oh, you are good.

 

[Marshay]

Today is Monday, July 30th and we arrive home to Virginia today.

"Summer's going too fast" - Rachel

I totally agreed with Rachel. Between summer camps in June and visiting family in PA, then 4th of July activities and our birthdays with more family and then the WDW trip, there are just 3 weeks left before school starts.

We woke at 6:30am and had breakfast. We were supposed to get in an hour early but then a train had an issue in front of us so we arrived on time at 8:38am. Here is what I was doing while we waited to arrive in the station--wrote up my TR!

We waited for our car and were home at 10am.

 

[Marshay]

Oh, you are good.

Thought you might like that one!!

 

[Marshay]

Elizabeth was VERY happy to see us. Rachel and I bought her a stuffed Sleeping Beauty doll. This was Rachel's idea b/c the only doll we have of her is a hard plastic doll. Rachel said at the beginning of the trip, that we would get her a soft Aurora so she could sleep with her.

Elizabeth did not want to leave my side all day! It was so sweet.

Both girls got new t-shirts

Here is Rachel's stash of souvenirs -- some she bought for her birthday and a few I got for her. She made out VERY well.

Here is a closer view of the makeup from The Pirates League Mermaid transformation and the pins she bought (Rapunzel and the princesses were from Walmart that she bought. Tick Tock Croc and Captain Hook from WDW. I bought her the Happy Birthday pin from Walmart.)

Rachel had purchased these Disney items at the Disney store prior to our trip with a 25% off coupon

We got Jerry a PoC shirt

I bought these treats back for us to enjoy at home. This is another tradition for us -- buy silly Disney treat and eat them over the first few days at home.

Well, here is what happened when we ate the cookie

Ok, this is not in order but I found yet another dessert party photo...or maybe it's the same...Oh well, we can always look at more desserts!!

 

[pld5]

What a great trip for you and Rachel!

I almost had a chance of a trip with some friends in January that would have coincided with your next trip, but DH thought better of it. JK, I would have felt too guilty being there without DS and DH anyway. At least thats what I tell myself now.

 

[pld5]

And we have that same Minnie cookie that we have resisted eating for just the reason you are showing!

 

[Marshay]

1. Bring a bag to the snack car for the train to carry all the toys/games and also to take any snacks/fruit back with you.

2. Put magnets o the SUV doors to help identify your vehicle sooner as it comes out of the train cars.

3. If we do the Dessert party again, schedule it on an EMH or stay at BLT, so you don't get all caught up in the crowd after fireworks. I am just amazed by how long it takes to clear the parks. We waited an hour and it still was packed at both the ferry and the monorail.

4. Get to the Dessert party sooner (one hour early) so you can relax and not devour the desserts as quickly.

5. It was sooooooo much easier to travel without a stroller ... or a little one.

6. My back started to hurt from the messenger bag that I was using since I had a large water bottle in it. Next time, skip the water bottle and just ask for water at CS or use a smaller bottle. Also, take less things. Since this was the first time in 7 years that I didn't have a stroller, I kind of forgotten how heavy your bag can feel after carrying it all day.

7. Going to WDW with just one child, esp at the age of 7 is a magical and perfect time to go!! It was wonderful to really spend quality and quantity time with just one child. Brought back good memories before Elie was born.

And at age 7, she was very independent. Could get up early, stay up later (for the most part) and was excited to do and see everything.

8. I have raised a Disney Child!!